Marine & Navigation

Turning Circle / Advance / Transfer Estimator

Estimate turning radius, tactical diameter, advance, and transfer.

Last validated: 2026-02-14

Turning Circle / Advance / Transfer Estimator gives first-pass maneuvering metrics from speed, rudder angle, and vessel length when detailed sea-trial curves are unavailable. It is useful for pilot exchange preparation and bridge-team maneuver briefs. The tool reports estimated turning radius, tactical diameter, advance, transfer, and time to 90-degree heading change. Use it for planning context only and replace with vessel-specific maneuvering data whenever available.

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Input Pattern

Enter values in the left panel, keep units explicit, run the calculation, then copy or share the result. Invalid fields are highlighted immediately.

Turning Inputs

Result

Turning radius: 178.2 m

Tactical diameter: 356.4 m

Advance: 463.3 m

Transfer: 267.3 m

Estimated time to 90° turn: 45.3 s

How to use this tool

Enter vessel speed, applied rudder angle, and vessel length.
Run estimation to compute turning radius, tactical diameter, advance, and transfer.
Compare results with pilot card or sea-trial references before operational use.

Worked Example

Auto-generated from the tool's current default or entered inputs.

Example Inputs

Speed kn: 12.0
Rudder angle deg: 20.0
Length m: 110.0
Estimated turning radius m: 178.2
Tactical diameter m: 356.4
Advance m: 463.32
Transfer m: 267.29999999999995
Time to 90 deg s: 45.34278843354032

Expected Outputs

Speed kn: 12
Rudder angle deg: 20
Length m: 110
Estimated turning radius m: 178.2

Interpretation

Speed kn is 12.0. Use this as a decision input, not as a standalone conclusion.
Rudder angle deg is 20.0. Use this as a decision input, not as a standalone conclusion.
Length m is 110.0. Use this as a decision input, not as a standalone conclusion.
Cross-check the result against one alternate input set to validate sensitivity.

Scenario Compare (A vs B)

Use this to compare two input sets and quantify change in key outputs.

Scenario A

Speed kn

Rudder angle deg

Length m

Estimated turning radius m

Tactical diameter m

Advance m

Transfer m

Time to 90 deg s

Scenario B

Speed kn

Rudder angle deg

Length m

Estimated turning radius m

Tactical diameter m

Advance m

Transfer m

Time to 90 deg s

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Turning Circle / Advance / Transfer Estimator

Input Pattern

Turning Inputs

Result

How to use this tool

Worked Example

Example Inputs

Expected Outputs

Interpretation

Scenario Compare (A vs B)

Scenario A

Scenario B

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